Get the FACTS. HIV/AIDS and Older Americans HIV: Know the RISKS.

HIV/AIDS and Older Americans If you think you’re too old to worry about HIV/AIDS, think again. In 2009, men and women 50 and older accounted for: 17% of all diagnoses of HIV infection (in 40 states with confidential HIV reporting) 23% of all AIDS diagnoses (in the 50 states and Washington, D.C.)

HIV risk does not diminish with age. You are at risk if you don’t use a condom when having sex—whether it’s vaginal, oral, or anal—with a man or a woman who has HIV. Age-related vaginal thinning and dryness can lead to tears that expose the vaginal area to HIV infection. HIV/AIDS and Older Americans

PREVENTION Have the conversation. Talking to a new partner about their sexual history and HIV, or talking to your doctor about sex can be awkward. To stop HIV, take action. Before having sex with a new partner, discuss your HIV status. You both have a right to know. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and how to stay safe and healthy.

PREVENTION Get tested. Ask your health care provider for an HIV test as a routine part of medical care, if you are having unprotected sex, injecting drugs or have never been tested before. Medicare covers annual HIV testing. Get tested before having sex with a new partner, and be sure your partner has been tested for HIV too.  If you are a gay or bisexual man, get tested at least once a year. More frequent HIV testing – every 3 to 6 months – may be beneficial.  If you are a woman, get tested whenever you have a new sex partner. To find an HIV testing site near you, go to or call CDC-INFOhttp://

PREVENTION Protect yourself. Each year, 50,000 Americans become newly infected with HIV. Make sure it’s not you. If you have multiple partners, use a latex condom and water- based lubricant every time you have sex. Avoid contact with another person’s blood, and be sure to never share or reuse needles.

Be alert to possible symptoms. HIV can go undetected in older people because of the symptoms associated with it—such as weight loss, pneumonia and fatigue— also occur more frequently with age. If you have recurring symptoms, talk to your doctor about HIV risk and ask if you need to be tested. PREVENTION

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For more information about HIV and AIDS, visit or To find an HIV testing site near you, go to or call CDC-INFOhttp:// Administration on Aging |